Environmental

PROJECT ASSISTANCE

Kay Nelson, Director of Environmental Affairs, has 40 years of experience working with state and federal regulatory agencies. She has helped numerous companies avoid roadblocks and make timely connections to ease project implementation stress. As you consider a site within the Forum’s jurisdiction, Kay is available to discuss your environmental permitting process in a qualified and confidential manner.

ASSETS

Fresh Water availability in High Volumes: The State of Indiana grandfathered existing water withdrawal registered users when adopting the Great Lakes Compact. Projects needing high volume of quality Lake Michigan water for their operations will see a competitive advantage within Northwest Indiana.

Brownfields: Many great properties have been previous homes to industrial users. The Northwest Indiana Forum, the Regional Development Agency and the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) are working together to assist with site preparation work needed for redevelopment utilizing the existing EPA brownfield loan fund. Anticipated additional EPA Brownfield Site Assessment grant funds will be available for preliminary Phase I and Phase II site work. The local grant administrator is the Regional Development Authority.

Maritime Transportation: The Forum has been actively engaged in the aquatic invasive species issue in the Inland Waterway System. This maritime highway is extensively used by the Ports of Indiana Burns Harbor facility along with many industrial corporations. Protection of this asset in harmony with environmental protection is the goal.